The end of the year for many is one of reflection, some relaxation and optimism looking ahead. For design-build, that reflection has almost a sense of urgency this year. With an unpredictable economy and a soured building and construction outlook, it might give some design-builders pause.
Fortunately, the pure nature of design-build makes it all the more appealing delivery method in the current downturn. While many wait for the tide to turn for the better — which it likely will — design-builders have the ability in 2009 to show exactly what makes it so successful.
As Congress entertains new infrastructure legislation and states take a look at their tightening budgets, now is the time for design-build to break out in ways few could have imagined in years past.
While on verge of this breakout, DATELINE this month still is in a reflective mood. First, we reflect on the future of building and construction with our special series of feature stories on building information modeling (BIM).
We begin with a list of technology companies that can help you with your next BIM project. We then take a walk through different aspects of the process from a few different angles.
“BIMplementation Basics,” takes a close look at Holder Construction Company’s four technological building strategies. For “BIMposium,” DATELINE travels to the Mid-America region and listens in on a discussion of transitioning from CAD to BIM. We then take a look at Balfour Beatty Construction’s approach to building collaborative teams, crucial to BIM implementation.
Finally, we take a look at the best: the 2009 DBIA award winners. From our “best overall” project to individual designees and our Brunelleschi Award winner, you can get a close look at the past year in design-build and really see the top-notch performers making design-build what it is today — and what it can be in the future.
So, thank you for making this year one of the best for design-build. With an unpredictable future ahead, it is an apprehensive time, but it’s also an exciting one. This is perhaps the best opportunity for design-build to grow. It’s just a matter of stepping up to the plate and taking advantage of next year’s opportunities.
See you in 2009!
Christopher Prawdzik
Editor, Design-Build DATELINE